Ice-O-Lator Instructions

Follow this guide to achieve the best results from your Ice-O-Lator.

Note: These instructions are available as a PDF, download them here

The Ice-O-Lator is a simple water and ice extraction method. The use of a double screen guarantees a very pure end product. Dust particles and plant waste will stay behind in the water. The key to this process is a water temperature of just above zero centigrade. Of course, the amount and quality of the end Title depends on what you put in. Use small cuttings - the big leaves do not have that many crystals on them. Also, make sure there are no branches inside as they might damage or block the mixer. If you use buds, pull them apart so the crystals can get free.

Extra items you will need before using the Ice-O-Lator:

• 1 20-25 litre bucket with lid (5 gallon)
• 1 electric kitchen mixer
• Absorbent kitchen paper
• 2-5 kilos of ice cubes - enough to keep the temperature down to 4 degrees C (41 degrees F).

Step 1

Deep freeze the plant matter for an hour before you start.

Step 2

Fill the bucket with ice-cold water, up to 15cm below the rim. Put the bags in - first the fine screen, then the big screen. Make sure there is no air in between the bags and the bucket. The bags should hang straight down to create optimal space inside. Pull the bags over the rim of the bucket and pull the cord to tighten.

Step 3

Put the plant material inside the Ice-O-Lator (maximum 200g). The crystals need enough space in the bag to be able to fall. If the bag is too full, they will be stuck in the plant mass. Put the ice on top of the leaves to make sure they will stay below the surface. The bucket can be filled up to 5cm below the rim.

Step 4

Leave the mass to soak for 15 minutes, allowing it to get really cold and wet. The ideal temperature for the process is 3 degrees C - 5 degrees C (41 degrees F).

Step 5

Make one or two holes in the lid of the bucket for the mixer to get though.

Step 6

After soaking, move the ice under the leaves, put the lid with mixer on to the bucket and turn on at a low speed. Mix for 5 minutes.

Stop mixer and remove lid. Move all plant material from the sides into the middle. Leave for 5 minutes to allow crystals time to sink. Repeat this step until all the leaves have been stirred and are floating around in the bucket. This usually takes about - hour.

Step 7

When the process is finished, take out the big bag with the leaves and let the water drip out. Close the bag round the top with one hand, allowing a little air to go through and push the bag back under water. Push up and down to wash off all the crystals. Do this until the bag is totally clean around the outside and make sure everything falls into the second (fine screen) bag. Any crystals that are still stuck to the outside can be rinsed off carefully into the fine screen bag.

Step 8

Take out the fine screen bag and let the water drip out. It's a good sign if the screen is blocked. Hold the bag with both hands. Move your hands in opposite directions to shift the crystal mass from left to right and back again. The water will find more space to fall through. When the water is gone, the crystals remain in the screen. If it is visible polluted (green in colour), rinse carefully with cold water and tiny pieces of leaf particles will fall through the screen.

Step 9

Fold the screen so that the crystals are caught in between. Put a thick layer of kitchen paper around it, and make a dance of joy on top of it! Your weight will press the water into the paper.

If you have more plant material, repeat whole process at this point from step 2, using the same cold water from the first lot (you can use this up to 5 times).

Step 10

Take the crystals out of the screen and crumble onto a smooth, clean surface to dry. The Ice-O-Lator can be rinsed with cold water immediately after use. If the crystal remains have dried in the screen, use alcohol 96% to clean it.

The remaining moisture in the crystals must be taken out immediately, or they will start to mould. The easiest way is to crumble it and let it dry. Alternatively, you can hand press until you have a solid ball. Keep squeezing and pressing and water will become visible on your hands. If it is too sticky to work with, freeze the crystals for a short time and try again. To get the last bit of moisture out, make the ball as flat as possible and put in into the freezer. Freezing water will expand in volume and appear on the surface of the crystal mass. Just wipe it off.

When you press the crystals, they will break and oil will be released. The mixture will get dark. (Crystals of certain, very fresh leaf waste, eg "white" plants, will stay blond.)

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